Privacy & security FAQs

"Phishing" is a form of Internet fraud that aims to steal valuable information such as card numbers, user IDs and passwords. A fake website is created to look similar to that of a legitimate organisation, typically a financial institution such as a bank or insurance company. An email is sent requesting that the recipient access the fake website and enter their personal details, including security access codes. The page looks genuine but users entering information are inadvertently sending their information to the fraudster.

Keylogging is a piece of software or hardware that captures a user’s keystrokes. As information is typed into the keyboard it is recorded to a file and/or sent off to another machine on the Internet. Hackers using keylogging capture passwords, email addresses, card numbers and other personal information for fraudulent use.

Viruses and Trojans are harmful programs loaded onto your computer without your knowledge. The goal of these programs may be to obtain or damage information, hinder the performance of your computer, or flood you with advertising.

Viruses spread by infecting computers and then replicating. Trojans appear as genuine applications and then embed themselves into a computer to monitor activity and collect information.

Using a firewall and maintaining current virus protection software can help to minimise your chances of getting viruses and inadvertently downloading Trojans.

We recommend this software because it can help protect your PC whenever you use the Internet or email. It is not specific to Internet Banking, however if you don’t have this software your PC could become infected and may not work.

Yes, Internet Banking is accessible via any PC with Internet access. However, before using Internet Banking you should ensure the PC has up-to-date security software and is free from Viruses or Trojans.

Try to avoid shared computers, like those at an Internet cafe, because you won't always know if it's backed up with good security software.

Keep in mind when using other computers to download your bank statement, the browser may cache your information and make it available for other people to view. To avoid this please ensure you clear the cache at all times.

If you must use a shared computer, sign out properly and close the browser or application completely when you've finished.

Be confident that St.George Phone and Internet Banking are safe and secure. Maintaining the security and confidentiality of your financial and personal information is one of our primary responsibilities Read about our commitment to you.

If you believe the email was a hoax and you’ve responded to the email, clicked on the link or downloaded any attachments, it’s possible that your security could’ve been compromised. In that case, or if you notice a transaction you did not make, contact us immediately on 13 33 30.

If you receive a Hoax email or SMS please do not click on any links embedded in the email or SMS or reply to the email in any way.

If the email claims to be from St.George Bank regarding Internet Banking, let us know by by forwarding the email to hoax@stgeorge.com.au then delete the email from your mailbox. Please do not alter the subject line in any way.

If you received a hoax SMS that claims to be from St.George, please forward it to 0457 114 629 (0457 11 HOAX).

Conditions, fees and charges apply. These may change or we may introduce new ones in the future. Full details are available on request. Lending criteria apply to approval of credit products. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors before acting on it. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Terms and Conditions or Product Disclosure Statement, before deciding. Unless otherwise specified, the products and services described on this website are available only in Australia from Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.